The Time of Our Time by Norman Mailer

On the 50th anniversary of 'The Naked and the Dead', Random House presents a comprehensive retrospective of Norman Mailer's literary genius. This omnibus edition is a meticulously arranged collection of his best work, offering readers a unique journey through the evolution of one of America's most influential writers. The book includes signed first editions, making it a valuable addition to any literary collection. /n/n This retrospective not only showcases Mailer's prowess in fiction but also highlights his significant contributions to nonfiction, essays, and journalism. It's a must-read for fans and a perfect introduction for newcomers to the vast and varied world of Norman Mailer. The inclusion of NPR sponsorship underscores the cultural significance of this literary event.

Reviews

Goodreads · 2026-01-17

enthusiastic 4.50

The book is a giant retrospective, offering a rich and boisterous portrait of the times through Mailer's fiction and reportage. It is a masterly work that stands out in its comprehensive coverage.

Goodreads reviewers describe The Time of Our Time as a giant retrospective that provides a rich and boisterous portrait of the times. They highlight Mailer's unique ability to blend fiction and reportage, creating a masterly work that captures the essence of the era. The comprehensive coverage and the depth of Mailer's insights are particularly praised, making this book a standout in its genre. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident, emphasizing its significance as a social history and a testament to Mailer's literary prowess.

Quick quotes

Norman Mailer's The Time of our Time is a giant retrospective, a rich, boisterous portrait of our times.

It is a masterly, boisterous portrait of our times, seen through the fiction and reportage of a great writer.

Included are passages from THE NAKED AND THE DEAD, his first novel, and THE ARMIES OF THE NIGHT, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

Kirkus Reviews · 2026-01-17

insightful 4.00

The chronological structure highlights Mailer's deep connection to his times and his insightful predictions about events. No other American novelist has captured the essence of their era as comprehensively.

Kirkus Reviews praises the book's chronological structure, which effectively showcases Mailer's immersion in the events of his time. They note his prescient views on various happenings, making it a unique and insightful read. The reviewer highlights that no other American novelist has managed to capture the spirit of their era as thoroughly as Mailer does in this work. This retrospective is not just a collection of pieces but a vivid portrait of the times, making it a significant contribution to social history.

Quick quotes

This chronological ordering does serve to point out Mailer's immersion in his times, and his often very prescient view of events.

No other American novelist has captured the essence of their era as comprehensively.

A rich, boisterous portrait of our times, seen through the fiction and reportage of a great writer.

The Irish Times · 1999-07-24

critical 3.00

The collection is hefty and best read in one go, but it leaves one wondering about Mailer's reputation. It includes journalists writing about themselves in the third person.

The Irish Times reviewer finds the collection quite hefty and suggests it's best read in one sitting. They express some skepticism about Mailer's reputation, noting that the book includes passages where journalists write about themselves in the third person. While it's a substantial work, the reviewer seems to question the overall impact and significance of Mailer's writing in this context. The retrospective nature of the book is acknowledged, but the reviewer's tone suggests a critical stance towards Mailer's self-referential style.

Quick quotes

Read this hefty collection at one go and wonder at his reputation.

Should you enjoy journalists writing about themselves in the third person, it is a treat.

A masterly, boisterous portrait of our times, seen through the fiction and reportage of a great writer.

Appears in Lists

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